Rethink the Wedding Checklist
Wedding planning is often seen as a checklist of traditions and expectations: the guest list, the tiered cake, the bouquet toss, and the list goes on. But what if we told you that your wedding day doesn’t have to be a cookie-cutter replica of every other wedding? What if, instead, you could design an intimate wedding day in Calgary that reflects who you are as a couple, celebrates the things you value most, and surrounds you with the people dearest to you — all while working with a Calgary or Deane House wedding photographer who captures it all beautifully?
Your Day, Your Way
Too often, couples get caught up in the whirlwind of trying to meet everyone else’s expectations rather than focusing on what truly matters to them. But we’re here to tell you, after more than a dozen years of photographing weddings, you don’t have to dance to everyone else’s beat. Having photographed countless weddings, including many as a Deane House wedding photographer, we’re here to share the secret recipe for planning a wedding that truly represents you—not the expectations and checklists of others.
This is it: Design your day to be a reflection of your personalities, your values, and your unique love story. As you navigate making decisions, hold everything up to those standards – if it fits, do it! If it doesn’t resonate, skip it.
Visualize What Feels Right
Imagine walking down the aisle in a dress that makes you feel like the most authentic version of yourself. Picture saying your vows in a venue that holds special meaning to you as a couple, whether it’s a historic building, sun-drenched meadow, mountain vista, or cozy backyard. Envision your guests savouring a meal that showcases your favourite foods and flavours, surrounded by decor that reflects your style and aesthetic.
You are allowed to (and should!!) make your wedding planning decisions around who you are as a couple and what you value most. We’ve found that the most memorable weddings are those where the couple does just that – and it will make your family and friends say “of course!” because it just makes sense. Not to mention, it creates the most special, true-to-you moments — the kind that a Deane House wedding photographer loves to preserve.
Make It Personal, Make It Memorable
When you plan your wedding around what’s most important to you—rather than just going through the motions of tradition—something magical happens. Your wedding becomes more than just a day. It becomes a celebration of your love, your journey, and the future you’re building together.
Here’s an exciting bonus: by focusing on what truly matters, you can invest in vendors and details that matter to you instead of trying to tick off every box. For example, if a big reception doesn’t appeal to you, you can plan something more intimate, and put your budget toward florals, a smaller bespoke meal, or a dreamy location like The Deane House.
Your Story, Beautifully Captured
And here’s the best part: when you plan your wedding around what matters most to you, your portraits become more than just pictures — they become snapshots of your love and your story. Every smile, every tear, every spontaneous moment is a testament to the authenticity of your wedding day. As a Deane House wedding photographer, these are the moments we live to capture.
Real Wedding Inspiration: Alex & Kerry
Alex and Kerry’s intimate Calgary wedding is the perfect example of what we’ve been talking about. They designed their wedding day entirely around what was most important to them — enjoying time with family over incredible food in a setting steeped in nature and history.
Their day began with a simple, heartfelt ceremony downtown with just their families, followed by portraits of the two of them under the iconic Hudson’s Bay arches. Then came more memories in the garden, before a private family meal upstairs at The Deane House. (For anyone searching for the perfect intimate venue in Calgary, this is absolutely one of the best.) As their Deane House wedding photographer, we were honoured to document such a heartfelt and meaningful day.
Create a Day That’s Truly Yours
We hope Alex and Kerry’s wedding inspires you as you begin your own planning. Remember this: your wedding day is yours and yours alone. Don’t let anyone else’s expectations dictate how you celebrate your love. Focus on what makes you unique as a couple, and let that shape every decision. Because in the end, the most beautiful weddings are always the ones that reflect the couple most authentically.
xo,
David & Breanne
See more amazing Calgary photography from weddings we’ve photographed at the Deane House here & here.
Groom atire: Atelier by Ensemble
Dress Designer: Katherine Tash Bridal / Blush and Raven
Bridal Gloves: Kerry Parker
Beauty: Top Knot Brides
Florals: Fall For Florals
Cake: Pretty Sweet
Venue: The Deane House
Wedding blog feature: Rocky Mountain Bride
Calgary Photography by Heidrich Photography
Comments +